Heather Crockett-Miller

Heather Crockett-Miller

Dr. Crockett received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Whitman College and her Doctor of Dental Surgery from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. While at OSU she received the “Outstanding Commitment to Community” Award, Clinical Excellence Day Award and was recognized by the American Association of Women Dentists for her “Academic Excellence and Outstanding Leadership”. Following dental school she completed a General Practice Residency at Miami Valley Hospital, a level one trauma center in Dayton, OH. After working as dental director at Corrections Medical Center she completed her Master’s in Public Health at the Yale School of Public Health. While at Yale Dr. Crockett completed an externship with the Connecticut Dept. of Public Health and served as the Head Start Program Coordinator for the “Every Smile Counts” Oral Health Surveillance program.

Since 2012, Dr. Crockett served as Chief Dental Officer for Connecticut-based Community Health Center, Inc., which operated seven fixed dental clinics, 44 dental chairs, and over 190 mobile dental delivery sites. Dr. Crockett led the expansion of the mobile dental delivery program and helped expand additional points of service. She also maintained a faculty appointment at the University of Connecticut School of Dentistry and participated in the clinical supervision of AEGD residents, and dental hygiene and dental assisting students.

In 2016 Dr. Crockett joined Equitas Health as their Director of Dental Services. Dr. Crockett will guide the strategic development, expansion and clinical operations of their newly- integrated dental practices. She will also continue providing direct patient dental care at both their Dayton and King- Lincoln dental sites.

Dr. Crockett is a graduate of the Connecticut Health Foundation’s Leadership Fellowship program, The National Oral Health Learning Institute, and was recently named one of America’s Top 40 Dentists Under 40. She remains active in dental public health both locally and abroad. In her spare time, Dr. Crockett volunteers as a “Science Cheerleader”- former and current NFL and NBA cheerleaders who have careers in science. She takes part in events throughout the year that encourage young girls to pursue STEM careers. She also enjoys spending time with her family including her 20 month old son.

Presentation: Open Wide! What you and your patients/clients need to know to achieve optimal oral health

Day: Friday
Time: Breakout Session 3
Where: Hancock

Presentation Description:Oral health remains a critical component to achieving optimal health throughout the lifespan. Unfortunately, due to various barriers including, limited access, dental anxiety, and many social determinants, the mouth is often left out. During this session, participants will participate in an interactive presentation learning about the most common oral health diseases and how to prevent them. Discussion will include dental caries (cavities), periodontal disease and when you should contact your dentist. Key issues facing the LGBTQ community will be reviewed and special considerations for patients living with HIV/ AIDS will be discussed. At the end of the presentation, each participant will create an oral hygiene kit and learn about each item in the kit and how to use it. This is a beginner’s session and information will be useful across disciplines and all levels of learning.

Objectives:1. Review the 2 most common oral health diseases and how to prevent them.
2. Describe oral health issues specific to patients living with HIV/AIDS.
3. Explain key barriers to dental care for the LGBTQ community and how to promote care.
4. Identify the critical items in an oral hygiene kit and demonstrate their proper use.